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Located in Tongling Town, Dongshan County, Fujian Province, Tongling Town was built in 1387, the 20th year of the Hongwu reign of the Ming Dynasty. It was named after Tongbo Village and Dongshan Village, each with a character from Dongkeng Village. Renovations have been made throughout the ages. Nestled against the mountain and facing the sea, the city towers over Dongshan Harbor, making it a strategic military stronghold on the southeastern coast and historically known as a major coastal town. Its granite walls measure 1,903 meters in circumference and are 7 meters high. It has four gates: Chenxi, Dayang, Simei, and Gongji. A pavilion-style tower was newly built at the east gate. During the Ming and Qing dynasties, Qi Jiguang, Lu Zhenfei, Xu Yiming, and Zheng Chenggong fought against invasions by Japanese pirates and Dutch colonists in Tongshan, safeguarding China's maritime borders. In 1661, over 500 young men from Tongshan accompanied Zheng Chenggong across the sea to recapture Taiwan. In 1841, Chen Huacheng repelled an invading British fleet here.
Tongshan Ancient City, founded in 1387 AD during the 20th year of the Hongwu reign of the Ming Dynasty, was a crucial military stronghold along the Fujian coast. Built along the coast, the city stretches long and winding, imposing and majestic. The original city had a circumference of 571 zhang (approximately 10.5 meters), a height of 2.1 zhang (approximately 10.5 meters), and walls 1 zhang (approximately 10.5 meters) thick. It featured 864 battlements and 16 shelters. The foundation was constructed of dry-laid stone blocks, while the walls were rammed earth with clay interspersed with rubble. The ancient city had four gates: the east gate, called "Chenxi," the west gate, called "Simei," the south gate, called "Dayang," and the north gate, called "Gongji." The only well-preserved section of the east city, over 400 meters long, remains.
The subtropical monsoon climate makes it suitable for travel in all four seasons.
Historical sites and scenic spots such as Fengdong Stone, Guandi Temple, Huang Daozhou's hometown, Stone Monk Worship Pagoda, Hukong Dripping Jade, Baozhi Temple and Huang Daozhou Memorial Hall;
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Tongshan Ancient City has a history that spans over 1,000 years, dating back to the Tang Dynasty. It was an important trading and cultural hub during ancient times. The city is known for its well-preserved ancient architecture, including city walls, gates, and temples, offering a glimpse into ancient Chinese urban life.
Tongshan Ancient City is located in Zhangzhou, Fujian Province. It can be reached by taxi from the Zhangzhou city center or by bus. There are no metro connections directly to the site, but public transportation options like buses are available. Walking within the ancient city is the best way to explore its historical sites.
The city is open for visitors throughout the day, with the best times to visit being from 9 AM to 5 PM. The least crowded times are weekdays, especially early mornings. The best seasons to visit are spring and autumn, when the weather is mild and pleasant.
Entry to the city is free, but some of the individual attractions within the city, such as the Tongshan Museum, may have a small entrance fee. Tickets can be purchased on-site, and some attractions may offer online booking options for special events or exhibitions.
For general visits, no advance booking is required. However, if you're planning to attend a special event or exhibition, it's advisable to book tickets a few days in advance, especially during peak seasons or holidays.
You will need about 2-3 hours to explore the ancient city, including visits to key sites such as the city walls, temples, and the museum. If you wish to fully immerse yourself in the local culture, allocate more time for exploring the streets and trying local food.
Guided tours are available in Mandarin, and audio guides are also offered in several languages, including English. You can inquire about availability at the ticket counters or the museum.
Start your visit at the city gates, then explore the main streets to admire the ancient architecture. Visit the Tongshan Museum for a deeper understanding of the city's past. End your visit at one of the local temples to experience the spiritual side of the city.
Night visits are not typically available, but the city is beautifully lit in the evenings, providing a different atmosphere. Special cultural tours or performances may be available during festivals or holidays.
The city can get crowded on weekends and during holidays, especially when festivals are taking place. Weekdays, particularly in the early morning, are the least crowded times to visit.
There are basic facilities, including toilets and rest areas. Small shops within the city sell snacks and souvenirs. You can also find several local restaurants outside the city gates offering Fujian-style cuisine.
The city itself is walkable, but some areas may have uneven terrain, making it difficult for those with mobility challenges. However, the main streets and some attractions are accessible for elderly visitors and children.
Cash is accepted at most local shops and food stalls. Mobile payments like Alipay and WeChat Pay are commonly used in the area, but credit card acceptance may be limited in smaller shops.
There are several local eateries near the ancient city offering traditional Fujian dishes, such as noodles, dumplings, and seafood. A few small cafes are located inside the city, offering snacks and drinks.
Vegetarian options are available at local restaurants, especially those catering to Buddhist dietary practices. Halal food options are available in Zhangzhou, though they may be harder to find within the city itself.
There are several hotels near the city center of Zhangzhou, including the Zhangzhou Grand Hotel and local guesthouses. Some accommodations are within a short drive from the ancient city.
Yes, souvenir shops within the city sell local crafts, including pottery, tea sets, and traditional Chinese ornaments. You can also find local snacks and candies as souvenirs.
